Driving Rental Cars to the Snow
From Thredbo to Perisher, Falls Creek to Mt Baw Baw, comes the oft-asked question: Are you allowed to drive your rental car up to the snow?
In their standard terms and conditions, the Big Boys of Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty do NOT allow you to take any rental cars above the snowline or to any area that requires the use of snow chains during the winter season (June-Sep/Oct). If you do, you will be fully liable for any and all damages to the car. However, selected branches of the various companies do offer you the option to purchase additional “snow cover” insurance (although they tend to only be available on larger rentals e.g. Standard, Full-sized, 4WD/AWDs). Also, keep a look out for special winter deals that may already include the snow cover on some vehicles.
Winter 2010 Car Hire Guide for NSW and VIC
Snow cover is usually only available at selected branches. Always double check for your required pickup location and the exact details of the offer.
| Budget | ||
| Look for the ‘Ski Magic’ deal on Intermediate up to Full-sized cars, 4WDs and Vans which allows you to drive to the snow from participating locations. Standard excess applies. Available from pickups by 12 October 2010. Quote this BCD discount number: D010750 Click here to go to Budget’s Offers page |
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| Europcar | ||
| ‘Head to the Snow with Europcar’ This deal is available on Economy up to Full-Sized cars and Vans and includes Snow Protection Package with a lowered liability of A$390 that also covers windscreen, headlights and tyres. Extra free snow chains for hires 5 days or more. Available for pickups up to by 31 October 2010 at participating locations. Earlybird Special: Book a rental for 2 or more days by 11 June 2010 and receive 10% discount! Quote this CD Number: 0050480354 |
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| Hertz | ||
| A$22/day for SNO Cover on Standard, Full-sized cars and 4WDs allows you to drive in the snow. Standard excess applies. Can’t be added on online, must be done over the counter. Click here to go to Hertz |
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| Thrifty | ||
| A$22/day for Snow Cover allows you to drive in the snow. Standard excess applies. This option can be added on during the online booking process. Click here to go to Thrifty |
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| Bayswater Car Rental (Sydney only) | ||
| Available from Sydney only, from June-October, a one-off A$50 Snow Cover fee will allow you to drive in the snow. They carry Corolla Hatches and Sedans on which they offer excellent hire rates that come with a lowered Standard Cover of A$300. Click here to go to Bayswater Car Rental |
[...] updated our Winter Car Hire Guide for 2010. All you need to know about who and where to rent from! Have a look see and enjoy tearing [...]